January 25

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog, but I've been very busy (and wiped at night!). My uncle passed away early Thursday morning. He was an incredible person, and we were very sad to see him go. The boys have some great memories of him - he was a big joker with them. I have incredible memories of him - you couldn't find a nicer guy - and am sure that I will always chuckle to myself when I think of my Uncle Cal. His funeral will be this weekend. David's niece is also getting married on Sunday, so we're trying to figure out the logistics for him to go to the wedding and the boys and I will stay with my family (although the boys will not attend the funeral) while my aunt and cousins begin sitting shiva.

This week has also had some good. On Sunday my best friend came from Spain for a visit, so I've been able to spend time with her. Eva, David, and I planned out our trip to Spain, and we are so excited!!!! I can't even tell you how much I miss her. Also, yesterday David's sister, Nurit, came in from Israel for the wedding and Yoni's bar-mitzvah. We are excited about having some time with her.

Jamey is doing much, much better. He wasn't able to start maintenance this week, though, because his counts were too low. We are hoping that he will begin on Monday. I will drop off a tube of blood at the clinic today to see how his counts are. On Wednesday, Jamey went back to school, although he was definitely not happy about going. He asked me if I could just teach him at home for the rest of the year. As much as I would love to do that, I don't particularly think it's in his (or my) best interest. In any event, it's been a bit easier every day at school for him. He has a new teacher, whom he seems to like and who seems very competent. Last week I had a meeting with his school about him coming back and I left feeling like they were really going to take care of him. I think he'll be fine once he gets into the swing of things.

This week the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society asked Jamey to be their honoree at the Jason Campbell Golf Tournament, which will raise money for the Society. Jamey was very happy to do it because he knows that their research has saved many lives, including his own. I was surprised when he agreed because he does not like to talk about his leukemia - I'm not even sure if he acknowledges that he has leukemia yet (I think there is still some denial in him about this whole thing). I have to send them a picture, and he even wants me to take one with his hat off because he thinks it will be better for the cause. That's a big deal because he always keeps his hat on (except when I'm putting whipped cream on his head!). The event will take place in April, so that is something else we have to look forward to.

This past week has also been a big one in leukemia research. They found what causes leukemia - a type of stem cell. The implications of this are huge, not in the least I would like to get Coby and Noah tested for the stem cell. Here is the article, if you are interested. It's short and extremely interesting. http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/117/5

I will try to update more regularly!!